The MST Condemns the Coup

In a statement, the Movement states that the solution to the political, economic and social crisis we are experiencing is the unconditional defense of democracy

From the MST web site:

In a statement, the MST rejects the parliamentary-media-judicial coup installed in Brazil and sees the unity of the countryside and cities as crucial in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Brazil.

"We announce that our mobilization does not end with the coup now installed. We will continue fighting, organizing the people of the countryside and building unity with urban struggles. The restoration of the Brazilian democracy and the changes needed to build a more just and sovereign country will be our guide for the next period”  the statement says in part.

Check out the full statement below.

The MST note on the impeachment of legitimate President Dilma Roussef

After the violation of the Brazilian Constitution consolidated by 61 senators on this day, August 31, 2016, the Landless Workers Movement hereby expresses its rejection of the parliamentary-media-judicial coup installed in Brazil.

The farce that supported this process was unmasked in the trial itself, dismantled by the defense and the fragility of the indictment, and confirmed by the restraint in removing the political rights of President Dilma Rousseff. Without any crimes that could provide the basis for a complaint against the President, the economic elite and Brazilian politics seriously hurt the democratic process and put at risk the legitimacy of the vote of the people

Consistent with the history of the defense of democracy, we refuse to recognize the government of Michel Temer. We are convinced that the impeachment is not the last act of violation of the Brazilian people's rights promoted by economic and political elites of Brazil. So we denounce:

  • The attempt to hand over the Brazilian pre-salt oil (offshore oil), removing the exclusive rights for Petrobras to explore for oil.
  • The attempt to diminish labor rights, pension rights and scrapping of the Unified Health System.
  • The attempt to privatize the assets of the Brazilian people and the commodification of our land, water and minerals for foreigners.
  • The complete stoppage of agrarian reform, coupled with setbacks in all social areas such as education and the dismantling of the My House, My Life program.

The solution to the political, economic and social crisis we are experiencing is the unconditional defense of democracy. We believe that fundamental changes in the Brazilian political system are needed and we support the convening of an Exclusive Constituent Assembly to change the political system. We must ensure the inclusion of people in decision-making processes of the country, to ensure popular participation in issues of national interest, such as structural reforms that have historically been prevented by the ruling class.

We announce that our mobilization does not end with the coup installed. We will continue fighting, organizing the people of the countryside and building unity with urban struggles. The restoration of Brazilian democracy and the changes needed to build a more just and sovereign country will be our guide for the next period.

Landless Workers Movement

August 31, 2016